Why Scottish Salmon?

Why Scottish Salmon?

Jan 24, 2025
by
My Store Admin

When it comes to salmon, there are many different types and locations from which to source.  Many people have heard of coho salmon or sockeye salmon, but less familiar with Scottish salmon.  What is Scottish salmon?  It's basically a type of salmon that is sourced from the cold waters of Scotland. 

Scottish salmon stands out in a few key ways compared to other types of salmon, mainly due to the unique environment in which it’s farmed, its flavor profile, and the methods used to raise and prepare it. Here are some of the main differences:

1. Farming Environment

  • Location: Scottish salmon is farmed in the cold, clear waters off the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Highlands and Islands. These waters are nutrient-rich, which helps produce high-quality fish.
  • Water Quality: The combination of the cold temperatures and strong tidal currents helps to produce a slower-growing fish, which results in firmer, more flavorful meat compared to farmed salmon in warmer, stiller waters.

2. Flavor and Texture

  • Milder Taste: Scottish salmon tends to have a milder, slightly sweeter taste than other farmed salmon varieties, like Atlantic or farmed Norwegian salmon. This is partly because of the diet and the cool water environment.
  • Firm Texture: The cold, strong waters mean the fish develop firmer, more succulent flesh. Scottish salmon tends to have a more delicate, buttery texture compared to other farmed salmon, which can sometimes be softer or fattier.

3. Sustainability and Traceability

  • Sustainability: Scottish salmon is often considered one of the most sustainable types of farmed salmon, with rigorous industry standards. Many Scottish salmon farms are certified by organizations like the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), which ensures responsible practices regarding fish feed, water quality, and fish health.
  • Traceability: Scottish salmon is often sold with a strong emphasis on traceability, meaning you can typically track the fish back to the specific farm it came from. This is more transparent compared to some other regions where this level of traceability might not be as clear.

4. Diet and Feed

  • Natural Diet: Scottish salmon is fed a diet that’s formulated to replicate its natural eating habits, often including a blend of fishmeal, fish oil, and other sustainable ingredients. This diet helps create a healthier fish with a better flavor profile.
  • Omega-3 Content: Scottish salmon is known for having high omega-3 fatty acids due to the natural diet and cold-water environment, contributing to its health benefits and richer taste.

City Seafood specifically selects Scottish Salmon for our retail customers because of its high quality and unique profile differences that make it an excellent choice for any culinary experience.  Scottish Salmon is available from City Seafood year-round and is a great addition to any custom order, scheduled delivery, or optional pickup at our Fenton location.

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